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The ABCs of the ABCs
Teaching the Alphabet
to Your Toddler By Mark Stackpole
to Your Toddler
Even if the ABCs are not essential to reading, is that the only benefit to learning them? Not by a long shot. Teaching and learning the alphabet gives parents and children a chance to bond over, and have fun with, an early educational experience.
Books and toys abound as parents look for the most effective way for their child to learn the ABCs. Gadgets and gizmos may be lots of fun, but they are certainly not a replacement for face-to-face time singing songs and conversing in "parentese."
"Children don't need a lot of paperwork, workbooks or flashcards at this age," Alexander says. "They will benefit from having writing and art materials to start forming letters and creating related pictures. Media has a role, too; after age 2, kids may engage in multimedia activities."
Of course, no laptop computer will replace your lap, Alexander says. "So curling up with a great alphabet book is not only a learning experience but also a cuddling one," she says.
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